Wild Women is a monthly space for anyone wanting to explore wild places, celebrate the turning of the seasons, and reconnect with nature. Each session offers a chance to learn new outdoor skills, share food around the fire and build a supportive, wild-hearted community.  

This January and February, our Wild Women groups at Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park and Thameside Nature Discovery Park welcomed returning faces and new attendees to celebrate the first two months of 2026.  

Take a look at what we get up to... 

Hanningfield Wild Women – January  

Our first Hanningfield session of the year was exactly as it should be... wild, joyful and full of fresh beginnings. The group gathered to explore the reserve, with sunlight breaking through the trees and a robin accompanying us along the way. 

We began with a walk through the reserve, visiting the bird hide, attempting some bird ID, and spotting fungi amongst the leaf litter. Volunteer Kim shared fascinating insights into the history of resolutions and superstitions, sparking reflective conversations about new beginnings. 

For our January activity, we tried Nordic slinging – a Scandinavian twine-braiding technique traditionally used for fishing nets. Working in twos or small groups, we turned our braids into aspirations and hopes for the year ahead, hanging them on the elder tree at the mound.

Thameside Wild Women – January 

Our Thameside group began the year with a conversation about new beginnings and the folklore behind common superstitions, led by volunteer Kim. We then walked through Stanford Warren nature reserve, noticing the winter landscape and vital conservation work happening along the reed bed. 

This month’s activity was also Nordic slinging, using the technique to braid twine and create fish-net-style pieces. These were hung on our elder tree and the henge – a place where many aspirations have been shared over the months. 

As always, we closed the session with food around the fire, making damper bread and enjoying slices with cheese or cinnamon sugar, a simple warming treat which has become a group favourite. 

Hanningfield Wild Women – February 

February brought the first signs of spring. Daffodils, the shimmering flight of a brimstone butterfly, and a floor adorned with fresh green shoots. As we wandered the woods, we listened to birdsong and spotted great crested grebes engaging in courtship rituals on the water. 

Being the month of love, our session focused on the ways we can show love for wildlife. We crafted heart-shaped bird feeders and wove willow whips into delicate heart decorations, all while sharing conversations and enjoying time in nature together. 

We rounded off the session with pancakes over the fire, topped with strawberries, fruit and marshmallows. One member of the group even shared a beautiful folk song. The perfect ending to a gentle, nature-filled morning. 

Thameside Wild Women – February  

February’s Thameside session celebrated “love(ing wildlife)” and specifically Galentines, honouring friendship, empowerment and connection. 

We began with a walk around Crown Green, leaving offerings for wildlife such as seed and mealworms. Along the way we spotted new daffodil shoots and early hints of spring, though it looked as though the local badgers had happily helped themselves to a few bulbs!  

For out craft we shaped willow into hearts and made bird feeders, hanging them in the elder tree at the henge. Many participants chose to craft an extra heart to take home, to use in plant pots or simply as a reminder of their love for nature. 

As tradition now dictates, we end the session by the fire, this time enjoying traditional animal print pancakes and strawberries. A sweet finale to a wholesome morning outdoors. 

Join our Wild Women community  

Wild Women is open to anyone looking to connect more deeply with nature and enjoy peaceful, creative time outdoors. Expect seasonal crafts, gentle walks, fireside food and a welcoming space to explore your wild side.  

We’d love for you to join us at a future session.